This comprehensive guide will explore the 100 best and worst companion plants for blueberries.
Everyone loves blueberries, especially huge juicy sun-ripened ones plucked fresh off a loaded bush in the garden on a hot summer day! Blueberry bushes are a loved addition to any home garden. However, having a successful blueberry harvest requires a little work and proper care.
Companion planting is a great way to ensure that you are giving your blueberry bushes your best! Many plants complement blueberries and enhance their production, growth, and health. However, some plants should be avoided since they have potential negative effects on soil health, pest control, and overall plant health.
In this guide, we will go over the 100 best and worst companion plants for blueberries, so you will know which ones to include and not include in your garden! As we dig into this age-old practice, we will uncover a wealth of knowledge that has been passed down through generations with the influence of a few modern gardening techniques.
What are Blueberry Bushes?
Blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) are native perennial, deciduous, woody berry bushes. They are an upright highland bush that produces small round blueberries during the summer growing season.
What is Companion planting?
Companion planting is a great way to conserve garden space, promote growth, and even protect them from insects. This is through a wealth and depth of knowledge about each plant, its nutritional needs, and its tendency for certain pests.
It is the art of planting certain plants near enough to each other that the nutrition one is drawing into the soil will meet the nutrient requirements of the other plant. It is knowing how to plant plants with certain fragrances that will help to deter the pests commonly drawn to the other plants.
Therefore, it’s best to stick to planting complementary plants near your blueberry bushes to produce the tastiest, healthiest fruit possible.
Benefits of Blueberry Companion Plants
Some of the benefits of companion planting blueberries include saving space and repelling pests. It can increase fruit production by attracting pollinators. When planting a ground cover or living mulch directly next to them, there will be fewer weeds. Nobody ever complained about having fewer weeds.
Certain plants can Improve soil nutrients by actually putting nutrients like nitrogen back into the soil. Legumes and clover are both nitrogen-fixing plants. When the nutrient needs are met it can encourage faster growth in the plant.
Beneficial Insects & Pests:
Some insects play an important role in pest control and pollination, while other insects can cause damage to the fruit or foliage. Companion planting takes this into consideration and helps amend both situations to the plant’s benefit. Excellent companions promote and attract more beneficial insects while deterring pests.
Ground Cover & Living Mulch:
Living mulch and certain ground covers can help retain moisture and suppress weeds. But not all are beneficial to blueberry bushes. Don’t plant aggressive ground covers like English ivy or periwinkle next to your blueberry bush. Also, not creeping thyme or vinca minor, which can create a thick dense mat that competes and overcrowds the blueberry bush for nutrients, space, and resources. We’ll go on to list which ones can harbor pests, and diseases which can be detrimental to the health of your blueberry plant.
What are Good Companion Plants for Blueberries?
It is important to choose the right companion plants when planning your blueberry patch. There are so many different plants with different varieties, that it can feel overwhelming to choose the ideal companion plants for yourself. The good news is, that we have compiled this incredible list to make it easy on you!
A good companion plant for blueberries would be one that has the following characteristics:
- Acidic loving plant
- Likes the same climate zone
- Thrives in full sunshine
- Attracts pollinators
- Deters pests
Companion plants should be planted just on the outside of the blueberry’s root zone since they have a shallow root system.
50 Best Blueberry Companion Plants
Here is a list of 50 good companion plants for blueberries:
Native Plants & Bushes Blueberry Companion Plants for Blueberries
1. Other Blueberry Bushes/ Wild blueberries: Make great companions, just don’t overcrowd
2. Azalea: Azaleas require acid soil and similar conditions as blueberries.
3. Rhododendrons: They make ideal companions since they like similar conditions of acid soil with a low pH.
4. Mountain Laurel: has beautiful flowers and evergreen foliage, and is an attractive addition to a blueberry garden. However, mountain laurel is an acid-loving plant that can compete with blueberry bushes for resources so don’t plant them too close together.
5. Wintergreen: Wintergreen like similar growing conditions. They are low-growing shrubs with berries that are edible.
6. Bearberry: Bearberry is a native evergreen low-growing perennial shrub that can be used as a ground cover.
7. Lingonberry: Lingonberry like acidic soil, and is closely related. This makes them great companion plants.
8. Oregon Grape: Oregon Grape provides nectar for the pollinators early in the season. This helps attract more pollinators.
9. Cranberries: Cranberries like acidic soil, which makes them great to grow with blueberries.
10. Strawberries: Strawberries can act like a ground cover, retaining moisture and suppressing weeds. Just make sure to select a variety that likes the same growing zone as the blueberry bushes.
11. Currants: Currants are great to grow with blueberries because they like the same soil conditions.
12. Gooseberries: Gooseberries are great to grow with blueberries because they like the same soil conditions.
13. Huckleberries: Huckleberries are great to grow with blueberries because they like the same soil conditions. It helps that they are related and very similar.
14. Hydrangea: Both blueberries and hydrangea prefer acidic soil and the same consistent moisture. However, blueberries like full sun, and hydrangea like partial shade in the afternoon. If you can figure out how to make them both happy with that aspect hydrangeas make great companion plants for blueberries.
15. Holly bush: Holly like well-drained soil and full sun, but only slightly acidic soil. That being said they still make good enough companion plants.
Evergreen Trees, Conifer Trees & shrubs
Evergreens make excellent companion plants. In general, they acidify the soil below with their fallen needles. This is beneficial to the blueberry bushes when kept in balance and not overdone. Blueberries do not like much shade so keep this in mind when planting near these trees.
16. Pine Trees: Drop needles which are acidic in nature and can create a favorable pH in the soil for the blueberries below when planted nearby. To ensure that they don’t reduce the pH too low, don’t plant them directly under but just on the edge of the outermost limbs when looking straight up towards the pine tree.
17. Spruce: Provide good natural mulch droppings and love acidic soil. They enjoy similar growing conditions. Just make sure they don’t shade the blueberry bush too much.
18. Junipers: Junipers are very adaptable plants. They provide good natural mulch droppings and love acidic soil. They enjoy similar growing conditions. Just make sure they don’t shade the blueberry bush too much.
19. Cypress: Cypress provides good natural mulch droppings and loves acidic soil. They enjoy similar growing conditions. Just make sure they don’t shade the blueberry bush too much.
20. Fir: Provide good natural mulch droppings and love acidic soil. They enjoy similar growing conditions. Just make sure they don’t shade the blueberry bush too much.
21. Cedar: Provide good natural mulch droppings and love acidic soil. They enjoy similar growing conditions. Just make sure they don’t shade the blueberry bush too much.
22. Yew: Provide good natural mulch droppings and love acidic soil. They enjoy similar growing conditions. Just make sure they don’t shade the blueberry bush too much.
23. Larches: Provide good natural mulch droppings and loves acidic soil. They enjoy similar growing conditions. Just make sure they don’t shade the blueberry bush too much.
24. Hemlock: Provide good natural mulch droppings and love acidic soil. They enjoy similar growing conditions. Just make sure they don’t shade the blueberry bush too much.
25. Lilacs: Attract pollinators with their fragrant blossoms and enjoy the same growing conditions.
Fruit
26. Apple Trees: Can provide just a little shade in the middle of the day during the highest temperatures, providing relief if planned appropriately. Don’t plant too close to their roots, and don’t let them shade the bushes too much.
27. Pear Trees: Can provide just a little shade in the middle of the day during the highest temperatures, providing relief if planned appropriately. Don’t plant too close to their roots, and don’t let them shade the bushes too much
28. Grapes: Can provide just a little shade in the middle of the day during the highest temperatures, providing relief if planned appropriately. Build a trellis for them and train them to grow high enough to not shade the bushes too much
29. Plum Trees: Can provide just a little shade in the middle of the day during the highest temperatures, providing relief if planned appropriately. Don’t plant too close to their roots, and don’t let them shade the bushes too much
30. Cherry Trees: Can provide just a little shade in the middle of the day during the highest temperatures, providing relief if planned appropriately. Don’t plant too close to their roots, and don’t let them shade the bushes too much
Herbs
31. Thyme: Thyme has fragrant essential oils that can attract pollinators and repel pests.
32. Comfrey: Comfrey is great at attracting bees for pollination and weed suppression.
33. Basil: Basil is a light feeder that doesn’t compete with the blueberries for nutrients and likes slightly acidic soil.
34. Borage: Borage attracts pollinators and bees.
35. Dill: Is great at attracting beneficial insects like wasps that feed on pests.
36. Parsley: Parsley attracts beneficial bugs like ladybugs and butterflies. Some of these beneficial bugs not only pollinate but also eat pests like aphids.
37. Lemon balm: Lemon balm is a member of the mint family so it can easily spread and take over an area. Make sure to cut it back regularly. Otherwise, it is great at attracting pollinators.
38. Ferns: Ferns are found naturally near blueberries in the wild. They are shade-tolerant and can be planted under blueberries. They help provide shelter for beneficial insects and retain moisture.
Flowers & Other Low-Growing Plants
39. Columbine: Columbine is an early food source for pollinators like bees.
40. Heather: Heather likes acidic soil.
41. Wildflowers: Wildflowers are great at attracting pollinators.
42. Lupine: Lupines can improve the fertility of the soil by fixing nitrogen.
43. Calendula: Calendula can attract pollinators and beneficial insects with its bright yellow and orange flowers. There are some pests they can repel also.
44. Nasturtium: Nasturtium can help protect by repelling pests. Their beautiful flower also attracts pollinators and beneficial insects.
45. Marigold: Marigolds can help keep bad bugs away with their pest-repelling properties.
46. Zinnia: Zinnias’ bright beautiful flowers can attract pollinators, bees, and butterflies.
47. Cosmos: Cosmos flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
48. Alyssum: Alyssum attracts beneficial insects with its sweet fragrance. It is a low-growing flower that provides a thick living ground cover.
49. Phlox: Phlox flowers are beautiful and attract many pollinators.
50. Daylilies: Daylilies are a neutral companion plant, they don’t really do any harm but they don’t have a whole lot of benefits.
Cover Crops for Between Rows of Blueberries
Usually, people think of growing a cover crop in an area as a great way to improve the soil, ensure more nutrients, and prepare it for planting. However, there are more times when it can be applied as a great additive, like permanently in between the rows of your blueberry bushes. Some great cover crops for this would be Legumes, clover, alfalfa, ryegrass, and buckwheat. Read more about growing cover crops at Master Class.
Cover Crops:
Cover crops are beneficial for improving soil health, maintaining moist soil, and preventing erosion. Certain cover crops with deep aggressive root systems, like alfalfa and clover, should not be planted directly next to the blueberry bushes but will work great when planted in between the rows when given enough space. They help fix nitrogen for the blueberry bushes making this necessary nutrient available.
What are Bad Companion Plants for Blueberries?
Plants that interfere with a blueberry’s growth in any way should be kept away from them because they are bad companion plants. To create an ideal environment for a blueberry bush to thrive, you need to avoid incompatible plants near your bushes.
Alkaline Loving Plants – If they change the pH of the solid from acidic to alkaline. Blueberries thrive in acidic soil with levels of a pH between 4.0 and 5.5. Any plant that likes alkaline soil needs to be kept away.
Heavy Feeders – Avoid heavy-feeding plants that will compete for nutrients and deplete the soil of resources the blueberry bushes require. If they feed on the same basic nutrients that blueberries do, they rob the blueberries. Some examples would be cucumber, squash, or corn.
Shade – Blueberries don’t like shade, so any plant that shades blueberries needs to be kept away.
Crowd/Airflow – Blueberries need airflow to prevent fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew or botrytis blight. They are especially susceptible to wet or humid conditions.
Plants with Invasive Roots – Blueberries have a shallow root system, so don’t plant other plants within their root zone.
50 Bad Companion Plants for Blueberries
1. Walnut Trees: If you have a walnut tree or have yet to plant one, you will have a tough choice in choosing which crop to incorporate into your productive land. Their roots release a bioactive compound called juglone that has suppressive properties to the vegetation nearby.
2. Grass: Grass spreads fast, often has thick dense roots, and robs the blueberries of nutrients.
3. Asparagus: Asparagus needs alkaline soil and is a heavy feeder.
4. Artichoke: Artichokes are heavy feeders, especially on nitrogen. They also like a more neutral soil pH.
Berries
5. Raspberries: Some people grow raspberries together with blueberries, we don’t recommend it because raspberries are quick to spread. They can easily take over the blueberry patch without constant pruning and trellising.
6. Blackberries: Some people grow blackberries together with blueberries, we don’t recommend it because blackberries are quick to spread. They can easily take over the blueberry patch without constant pruning and trellising.
Vegetables
7. Beans: Beans are a nitrogen fixer and if planted in between bushes work well. However, we have found that if they are planted directly under the blueberry bushes their foliage grows up the blueberry bush for support. This does a few things, one being that when you go to remove the pea plants after the harvest you risk breaking branches off the blueberry bush. Also, when it grows too thick it can prevent small blueberry bushes from getting enough sunshine.
8. Cucumber: Cucumbers prefer to have a pH near neutral. Also, its trellising and pruning, make it quite challenging to plant blueberries and cucumbers side by side.
9. Peas: Peas are a nitrogen fixer and if planted in between bushes work well. However, we have found that if they are planted directly under the blueberry bushes their foliage grows up the blueberry bush for support. This does a few things, one being that when you go to remove the pea plants after the harvest you risk breaking branches off the blueberry bush. Also, when it grows too thick it can prevent small blueberry bushes from getting enough sunshine.
10. Corn: Corn grows too tall and will shade out the blueberry patch. They are also heavy feeders and risk stealing a lot of nutrients the blueberry needs, resulting in a weak frail bush.
11. Celery: Celery needs neutral soil and likes plenty of moisture and nutrients. They are heavy feeders and will rob the blueberries of needed nutrients.
12. Celeriac: Celeriac needs neutral soil and plenty of moisture and nutrients. They are heavy feeders and will rob the blueberries of needed nutrients.
13. Squash: Squash quickly spread and take over an area, their vines easily climb and can shade out the blueberry bushes. They are heavy feeders and will rob the blueberries of needed nutrients.
Root Vegetables
14. Beets: Beets are root vegetables, and although some people like to plant them with their blueberries, we don’t recommend them. When they are removed during harvest they disturb the blueberry roots too much, causing more harm than good.
15. Turnips: Turnips are root vegetables, and although some people like to plant them with their blueberries, we don’t recommend them. When they are removed during harvest they disturb the blueberry roots too much, causing more harm than good.
16. Carrots: Carrots are root vegetables, and although some people like to plant them with their blueberries, we don’t recommend them. When they are removed during harvest they disturb the blueberry roots too much, causing more harm than good.
17. Radishes: Rashishes are root vegetables, and although some people like to plant them with their blueberries, we don’t recommend it. When they are removed during harvest they disturb the blueberry roots too much, causing more harm than good.
18. Potatoes & Sweet potatoes: are root vegetables, and although some people like to plant them with their blueberries, we don’t recommend it. When they are removed during harvest they disturb the blueberry roots too much, causing more harm than good.
Brassica Family of Vegetables
When it comes to blueberry companion planting, there are a few plants you should avoid putting near your blueberry bushes – brassicas. Brassica plants include kale, cabbage, brussels sprouts, and cauliflower, and they have heavy nutrient requirements. This means that they’ll compete with blueberries for nutrients, making it harder for the blueberries to thrive. In addition, brassicas have different pH requirements than blueberries, so they can make the soil less hospitable for blueberry growth. For these reasons, it’s best to steer clear of planting brassicas near blueberry bushes.
19. Kale: Kale is a heavy feeder and will rob the blueberries of needed nutrients, especially nitrogen.
20. Broccoli: Broccoli is a heavy feeder and will rob the blueberries of needed nutrients.
21. Cabbage: Cabbage is a heavy feeder and will rob the blueberries of needed nutrients.
22. Cauliflower: Cauliflower is a heavy feeder and will rob the blueberries of needed nutrients.
23. Brussels Sprouts: Brussels Sprouts are heavy feeders and will rob the blueberries of needed nutrients.
Melons
While blueberry bushes and melon plants might both seem like they would make for a tasty combination, it’s best to avoid planting melons near blueberry bushes. Melons have very heavy nutrient requirements and prefer soil with a pH level of 6.0 to 7.0, while blueberries prefer soil with a pH level of 4.5 to 5.0.
24. Honeydew: Honeydew melons are heavy feeders, spread quickly, and prefer a more neutral pH.
25. Cantaloupe: Cantaloupe are heavy feeders, spread quickly, and prefer a more neutral pH.
26. Watermelon: Watermelon are heavy feeders, spread quickly, and prefer a more neutral pH.
Nightshade Family (Solanaceae)
As any blueberry enthusiast knows, blueberries require acidic soil to thrive. This means that when planting blueberries, it’s important to choose companion plants that will help to lower the pH of the soil. One group of plants to avoid is the nightshades. This includes plants like potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplants. While these plants prefer neutral or slightly alkaline soil, blueberries need more acidic soil. As a result, planting blueberries near nightshades can lead to poor plant growth and poor yields.
27. Eggplants: Eggplants prefer more alkaline soil.
28. Tomato Plants: While tomatoes seem like a common garden vegetable and might work as a companion plant, they actually are not well-suited to grow alongside blueberry bushes. They prefer only slightly acidic soil compared to blueberries which thrive on fairly acidic soil. Also, tomatoes are quite heavy feeders and may compete for nutrients and moisture.
29. Peppers: Peppers prefer more alkaline soil.
Greens
30. Spinach: Spinach is a heavy feeder and would not do well being planted too closely to blueberries.
31. Swiss Chard: Swiss Chard are heavy feeders and would not do well being planted too close to blueberries.
32. Collard Greens: Collar Greens are heavy feeders and would not do well being planted too closely to blueberries.
33. Arugula: Arugula are heavy feeders and would not do well being planted too closely to blueberries.
34. Lettuce: Some lettuce species are heavy feeders and would not do well being planted too closely to blueberries.
Herbs
35. Marjoram: Needs full sun and would not do well being planted under blueberry bushes. It prefers a more neutral soil.
36. Cilantro: Needs full sun and would not do well being planted under blueberry bushes. It prefers a more neutral soil.
37. Tarragon: Needs full sun and would not do well being planted under blueberry bushes. It prefers a more neutral soil.
38. Mustard: Does not do well in acidic soil.
39. Fennel: Fennel is a heavy feeder, and prefers alkaline soil.
40. Sorrel: Sorrel is a heavy feeder.
41. Horseradish: It prefers a more neutral soil, and is a heavy feeder.
42. Kohlrabi: Kohlrabi are a heavy feeder that prefers a more neutral soil or less acidic than blueberries prefer.
Allium Vegetables
43. Leeks: Leeks have a strong pungent Sulphur smell that repels pests.
44. Onion: Onions have a strong pungent Sulphur smell that repels pests.
45. Okra: Okra is a heavy feeder.
46. Pak Choi: Pak Choi is a heavy feeder.
47. Rhubarb: Rhubarb is a heavy feeder.
48. Salsify: Salsify has deep thick roots that will disturb the blueberry root system.
49. Summer & Winter Squash: Squash is a heavy feeder that spreads rapidly and will shade out blueberry bushes. They are capable of climbing its branches and possibly causing damage.
Tall Plants
Tall plants with dense foliage make companion plants for blueberries. They can create shade that prevents the blueberry bushes from accessing sunlight, which can stunt blueberry growth and fruit production. Keep tall plants away from your blueberry patch such as corn or sunflowers.
50. Sunflower: Sunflowers will shade out blueberries.
15 Border Plants to Surround Blueberries with:
Here is a list of plants that would make a great border around a blueberry patch. They are not compatible enough to plant directly next to them, yet they would be beneficial at a distance. These include plants that help deter deer, attract beneficial insects, and repel bad insects.
1. Chives: Chives have a pungent scent that is known to deter pests like carrot rust flies and aphids.
2. Garlic: Garlic has a strong pungent Sulphur smell that repels pests.
3. Onions: Onions have a strong pungent Sulphur smell that repels pests.
4. Rosemary: Being a Southern European flora, rosemary also has the same reason: it prefers to have neutral to basic soils rather than with lots of moisture and organic matter. It has a strong smell that repels pests.
5. Oregano: Oregano has a pungent smell that can both deter pests and attract beneficial insects like parasitic wasps.
6. Sage: Sage has a strong smell that can attract beneficial insects and deter pests.
7. Daffodils: Daffodils are a great deer deterrent because they are toxic to eat.
8. Yarrow: Yarrow can help deter deer because of its strong smell.
9. Bee Balm: Bee Balm has a strong smell that can attract beneficial insects and deter pests and deer.
10. Thyme: Thyme has a strong smell that can attract beneficial insects and deter pests.
11. Basil: Basil has a strong smell that can attract beneficial insects and deter pests and deer.
12. Catnip: Catnip can deter certain pests and attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
13. Ferns: Ferns are found in the wild and are natural companion plants for blueberries. In addition, they are old buddies making the best companion plants for blueberries.
14. Anise Hyssop: a bee magnet
15. Lavender: One of the classic questions is, can I plant lavender with blueberries? Ideally, plants with different soil requirements must be planted separately. Lavender likes calcic or lime-based medium, while blueberries prefer a more moist and peat-rich ground. Also, they have lovely-smelling flowers that attract pollinators and deter pests.
Basic Blueberry Care Guide
Soil Requirements
Clay Soils:
Blueberries need well-draining, acidic soil full of organic matter. Clay soils can create bad growing conditions for blueberries due to their heavy, sticky texture with poor drainage. Also, if your garden has heavy clay soil, you will need to amend it with plenty of organic material.
Soil Health:
It’s important to have healthy soil for blueberries to grow well. Therefore, make sure your soil is well-drained, free from heavily compacted clay, full of organic matter, and checked for nutrient imbalances.
Peat Moss:
Peat moss is commonly used to amend the soil surrounding blueberry bushes. While it is good and necessary for heavy dense soil, make sure not to have an excessive amount. Thus, this can lead to nutrient imbalances and water retention in the soil, both of which are not good for blueberries.
Organic Matter:
While organic matter is important for soil health, nutrition, and fertility, too much can promote root rot and waterlogged conditions. When you need to add more, avoid piling it up too much around the base of the blueberry bushes. It’s best to mix it in with acidic potting soil, wood chips, pine needles, etc, and test the pH before layering it around the plants.
We have a whole article about making homemade compost from cow manure and other products!
Acidity Soil Level:
Blueberry bushes thrive in acidic soil conditions with a pH of about 4.5 to 5.5. So if they are not planted in acidic conditions, it can lead to nutrient deficiencies and reduced fruit yield. You should consider growing your blueberry bushes in pots or containers or raised beds filled with acidic potting mix if your soil is alkaline.
How to Test the Acidity of Soil
You can easily test the pH of your soil with a soil meter. You insert the prong into the soil and it will automatically read the pH for you. Then you can make amendments accordingly. Testing the pH of the soil around your blueberries and amending it should be a regular task. This will maintain optimal growing conditions for your blueberry bushes.
Temperature
Blueberries can usually survive in temperatures that dip down to -30 degrees depending on the variety. High bush varieties are more sensitive to cold temperatures and can be damaged in temperatures of 0 degrees F. However, low-bush blueberry varieties can tolerate colder temperatures.
| Blueberry Variety | USDA Hardiness Zone |
| Lowbush Blueberries | 3-6 |
| Half-High Bush Blueberries | 3-5 |
| Highbush Blueberries | 4-7 |
| Rabbiteye Blueberries | 7-10 |
Mulch
Mulching is great for suppressing weeds and adding organic material to the ground. The most common mulch used is sawdust that has been composted for a year. However, the best mulch is just pine mulch or pine needles. It also helps increase the acidity of the soil. Also, wood chips or decomposed leaves work well too.
Light Requirements
Full Sun:
Even though blueberries require plenty of sunlight to thrive, too much heat and intense sunlight can harm them. In really hot areas it is best to make sure your blueberries get some shade during the hottest part of the day to avoid sunburn and heat stress.
Partial Shade:
While blueberries can handle a little shade, too much can be bad for their fruit production and growth. So planting them in an area with very little sunlight can result in thin and sparse foliage and reduced yields of fruit. It’s best to have a location that gets at least six to eight hours of sunlight per day for your blueberries to thrive.
Water Requirements
Soil Moisture:
Even though blueberries like consistent moisture, too much moisture can lead to root rot and waterlogged conditions. So, don’t plant blueberries in areas with heavy clay soil that holds water or with poor drainage.
Fertilizing
The best organic fertilizers for blueberry bushes are blood meal or fish meal for nitrogen. Also bone meal and powdered seaweed for potassium and phosphorus. So, don’t fertilize the first year, as the roots are not established and are easily burned.
Homemade Fertilizer recipe:
- 5lbs of sulfur
- 5 lbs of Tennessee brown phosphate
- 5 lbs of granite meal (mineral blend called Azomite)
This can all be purchased at Fedco Grower’s Supply.
Each blueberry bush gets the following:
- A 5-gallon bucket of Compost
- 1 c of the above fertilizer mix.
- ¼ c of zeolites (to increase water, nitrogen, and nutrient retention)
- ¼ c mineral mix
Then, spread it around the blueberry bush in the springtime.
Pruning
Blueberries should be pruned during the winter while the bushes are dormant, between January and early March. Don’t prune once that year’s new growth has started. The main reason is because it has begun to put its energy stores into new branches and you will be wasting that precious growth. Make sure to prune before then.
Start by removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches using sharp garden shears. Then remove additional branches for a total of 50% of the bushes’ size. Take into consideration that the center should have minimal overlapping or center crossing branches. You want to encourage the bush to point the majority of its branches outward to encourage airflow in the center.
Protection
Protecting blueberry bushes from birds using bird netting is very effective. When the bushes are young and small you can simply drape the netting directly over the top. But as they grow larger you will need to build a small frame to support the netting. This can be done with wood, PVC, hoops, etc. Just make sure it is not entirely fixed down and you leave an access point for yourself to walk in or lift the net when it is harvest time.
Conclusion
Companion planting is a valuable tool developed through the centuries of agricultural wisdom and the benefits are incredible. It is used to enhance the health and productivity of plants. By choosing the right companion plants for blueberries and avoiding the wrong ones, you can build a thriving, diverse, and sustainable ecosystem. One that builds beneficial relationships and supports optimal growth and fruit production in your blueberry bushes.
Also, the diversity encouraged by companion planting can create beautiful garden landscapes. From medicinal herbs to lovely flowers, there are plenty of choices for blueberry companion plants, allowing for an abundance of creativity in your garden.
We hope this comprehensive guide will help you to plan and cultivate your blueberry patch, and enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh blueberries for years to come. Good luck with your blueberry adventure!
FAQ
Plant other plants that thrive in acidic soil, full sunshine, and the same climate zone as your blueberry bushes.
It is not a good idea to plant plants that like alkaline soil, or shade, have dense roots, or are heavy feeders near your blueberry bushes. These all would make bad companions.
No, lavender and blueberries do not make good companions. You should not plant lavender directly next to blueberries because it prefers a neutral or slightly alkaline soil. So planting side by side might compromise the health of one or both plants. We suggest planting it as a border around a blueberry patch or at the end of rows though for other benefits as listed above.
Yes, marigolds are the best companion plants to plant with blueberries since they are incredible at attracting pollinating insects and repelling pests.
Blueberry shrubs need a fertilizer with an ammonium form of nitrogen like urea, ammonium sulfate, or cottonseed meal.
Questions
Do Blueberries and Strawberries grow well together?
Yes, Strawberries make a great companion plant for blueberry bushes. They are not only beautiful but act like a ground cover and keep the soil moist and weed-free.
What is the best place to plant blueberry bushes?
Blueberry bushes grow best in a planting site that has full sun and doesn’t do well in shade. Avoid surrounding them with tall plants and trees, and don’t overcrowd them, they are heavy feeders. We typically like to plant our blueberry patch on the edge of the vegetable garden.
How do you winterize blueberry bushes?
- Step 1: Remove fallen fruit
- Step 2: Test the soil pH levels & make amendments
- Step 3: Stop watering at the first frost
- Step 4: Mulch
- Step 5: Protect from Ice and Snow: small low tunnel with greenhouse plastic
How long does it take blueberry plants to produce fruit?
It takes a blueberry bush 2-3 years to get established and produce fruit.
Do Blueberries Grow Better in Pots or in the Ground?
Blueberries, especially the highbush variety, prefer to be planted in the ground in well-drained soil but can be grown in containers successfully. Choose a large enough container that drains fine and plant it in good acidic potting soil.
When is the best time to plant blueberry bushes?
The best time to plant blueberry bushes is either in the fall or early spring when you are past severe freeze danger.
What is the best mulch for blueberries?
The best mulch for blueberry bushes is pine mulch or pine needles. They add organic material and lower the pH of the soil, both of which the blueberries need to thrive.
Do Blueberries like full sun or shade?
Blueberry bushes grow best in full sun, with a minimum of 6 hours per day. They are okay with partial shade but do not thrive in it. It may stunt their growth or have thin foliage.
Do you need 2 blueberry bushes to produce fruit?
Blueberries can self-pollinate but not very effectively. They have small flower buds with tiny entrances and it seems to be hard enough for the pollinators to keep up with the job. This is why it is always best to plant 2 or even better 3 bushes near each other, for higher pollen rates for maximum pollination.
Blueberry Recipes
Some photos on here were taken by Photo by Élisabeth Joly on Unsplash.
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